Massachusetts - State and Local Parks in North of Boston/Merrimack Valley

Bradley Palmer State Park
Asbury Street
Topsfield, MA
Phone: 508-887-5931

This park features trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. In addition, there is an area set aside for canoeing.

Halibut Point State Park
Gott Avenue
Rockport, MA
Phone: 508-546-2997

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Halibut Point is a beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire. A Visitors Center located near the Babson Farm quarry features exhibits about the park's natural and cultural history. The 60-foot tall structure offers panoramic views.
The park is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day; a parking fee is charged. The park is open sunrise to sunset from Labor Day to Memorial Day. On weekends from Memorial Day through Columbus Day tours of the quarry are offered. Other programs include wildflower walks and tidepool programs during the summer and seabird walks during the winter. Recreational uses: Fishing, historic site, picnicking, scenic viewing area, cross-country skiing, walking trails.

Harold Parker State Forest
1951 Turnpike St., Route 114
North Andover, MA  01845
Phone: 508-686-3391

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Harold Parker State Forest, 20 miles north of Boston, comprises 3,000 acres of hardwood forest. Swimming at Berry Pond,which has a sand beach, a new wash house, changing rooms, and flush toilets. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Grills and picnic tables are available.

Lawrence Heritage State Park
1 Jackson Street
Lawrence, MA
Phone: 508-794-1655

This historic park features fishing areas, hiking trails, and boating. Open 9 am-4 pm.

Lowell Heritage State Park
500 Pawtucket Boulevard
Lowell, MA
Phone: 978-369-6312

Park features hiking and biking trails, cross-country skiing, swimming, picnic areas, and more.

Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest
Trotting Park Road
Lowell, MA
Phone: 508-453-0592

This is a 1,150-acre park with swimming, canoeing, and fishing areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking and cross-country ski trails, in addition to seasonally scheduled programs.

Maudslay State Park
Curzon Mill Road
Newburyport, MA
Phone: 978-465-7223

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This park features 19th century gardens and plantings, rolling meadows, towering pines, and one of the largest naturally-occurring stands of mountain laurel in Massachusetts. Most breathtaking are the ornamental trees and masses of azaleas and rhododendrons that bloom in May and June. An exquisite place for walking, biking, horseback riding and informal picnics. Cultural events are a regular feature during the summer. During the winter a portion of the park is off limits due to roosting bald eagles, but the remainder provides excellent cross country skiing and winter walks. Parking Fee at is $2.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Beach Road, Route 1A
Salisbury, MA  01952
Phone: 508-462-4481

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Salisbury Beach is one of the state's most popular ocean beaches, stretching 3.8 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. This 521-acre park offers swimming, boating, fishing, and camping, and is very popular with trailer campers. Facilities include a 484-site campground with renovated bathhouses, an extensive day-use parking lot, three new comfort stations for beach users with boardwalks over the dunes, and a new playground and pavilion area. The facility also has two boat ramps on the Merrimack River at the campground's southern edge. In fall and winter, harbor seals often sun themselves on the jetty.
The campground office hours are 8 a.m.–10 p.m. The camping season is from early May to mid-October. Off-season camping is available from mid-October to late November for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night stays. There is a $2 per night surcharge for camping fees at Salisbury Beach. the $2 surcharge will be added to the day-use fee for cars and buses.

Sandy Point State Reservation
Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Refuge Road
Ipswich, MA
Phone: 508-462-4481

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Sandy Point is at the southern tip of Plum Island, a classic Atlantic Ocean barrier island. The 77-acre park is among the state's most beautiful and popular coastal beaches. It is also an important nesting area for the piping plover and the least tern. Recreational activities include walking, beachcombing, fishing, and birding. Access is through the abutting Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. The reservation is open sunrise till sunset. Parking is allowed only in two designated areas. When these lots are full, the reservation is temporarily closed. Pedestrians have free access to the beach, but must stay clear of all fenced areas. \

Willowdale State Forest
Linebrook Road
Ipswich, MA
Phone: 508-887-5931

Features hiking and cross-country ski trails.